Four Winds Indigenous Fashion Show Expands for Second Year at Dayton Arcade
A year after its debut, the Four Winds Indigenous Fashion Show is expanding its celebration of Indigenous creativity, resilience and cultural heritage.
Four Winds Indigenous Fashion Show Expands for Second Year at Dayton Arcade
A year after its debut, the Four Winds Indigenous Fashion Show is expanding its celebration of Indigenous creativity, resilience and cultural heritage. This year’s event, set for Friday, Nov. 6, at the Dayton Arcade, will feature a fashion show, Winter Artisan Market, live entertainment and more.
“This year we’re expanding the show into the Rotunda and broadening the overall experience with even more designers, musicians, and vendors. We are bringing in over 55 tribal nations to represent the widest spectrum of Indigenous America that we can,” said Ruby Redfox Irwin.
“When we produced the inaugural show last year, it felt like we were planting the seed. Being back for a second year means we are building a tradition and creating a hopeful long-term platform where Indigenous fashion, artistry, and voices are not just heard for a one night event, but can continue to be seen and heard.”
The fashion show, scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m., will feature the work of eight Native American designers and 30 models. The Native American Women Warriors will return to present the colors. Performances will include composer and pianist Connor Chee, dancer Shaylynn Bird, spoken-word artist Kansas Middletent and the Dusty Creek Singers, who will perform traditional drumming.
Just in time for the holidays, the expanded Winter Artisan Market will offer visitors an opportunity to connect directly with Native American artisans, jewelers and designers. The market will be open from 4 to 6 p.m. before the fashion show and again from 8 to 9:30 p.m. afterward.
Irwin hopes attendees will recognize the rich history and cultural significance woven into the pieces featured in the show.
“I hope everyone who attends the show walks away realizing that Indigenous fashion isn’t an ancient relic or a trend, but that [they] learn that it’s a vibrant, evolving, and living art form rooted in deep heritage, tradition, storytelling, and sovereignty,” she said.
New this year is REDtalk, a TEDtalk-style program dedicated to education, storytelling and knowledge-sharing. The program will take place Saturday, Nov. 7, from noon to 5 p.m. on the upper deck of the Arcade.
For Irwin, the event offers a meaningful opportunity to share a message close to her heart.
“Our only goal is to uplift Native American creatives, artisans and designers, to uphold matriarchy and to highlight the deep influence that Native American fashion has on our society both yesterday and today. Knowing that we are able to bring that here fills me with so much gratitude for our community, our sponsors and for everyone who supports and believes in this vision,” she said.
Tickets and more information: Four Winds Indigenous Fashion Show
